After the high-profile defamation trial against Johnny Depp, Amber Heard faced intense public scrutiny, legal battles, and significant personal and professional consequences. The trial, which gripped global audiences in 2022, ended with a jury ruling largely in Deppβs favor. The verdict found that Heard had defamed her ex-husband in a Washington Post op-ed, resulting in a damages award of over $10 million against her.
Following the trial, Heard retreated from the spotlight. She spoke publicly about the emotional toll the courtroom experience had taken, describing it as deeply traumatic. In interviews, Heard revealed the personal devastation she enduredβnot just from the legal defeat, but from the overwhelming online harassment and backlash that followed. She mentioned feeling vilified and isolated, saying the experience made her question her safety, both online and in real life.
Professionally, Heard’s career took a hit. Roles and appearances diminished as the public controversy surrounding her name intensified. There was significant speculation about her continued involvement in major films, particularly her role as Mera in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Although she did appear in the film, her screen time was reportedly reduced, and fan petitions called for her removal altogether.
Despite the fallout, Heard attempted to rebuild. She relocated to Spain for a period, seeking peace and privacy for herself and her young daughter. Away from Hollywood, she expressed a desire to live more quietly, though she remained adamant about standing by her truth and surviving what she called a modern-day public shaming.
Heardβs post-trial journey has become a symbol of how celebrity, social media, and the legal system collideβraising questions about justice, gender, and public perception in the digital age.